The Sokoto State Government has debunked reports alleging that Governor Ahmed Aliyu accompanied Abia State Governor Alex Otti to the Sokoto Custodial Centre to visit detained IPOB leader, Nnamdi Kanu.
The rebuttal was contained in a statement on Friday by the governor’s spokesman, Abubakar Bawa, who described the report as misleading and entirely unfounded.
“For the avoidance of doubt, Governor Ahmed Aliyu was in the Holy Land performing Lesser Hajj as of 30th November 2025, at the time Dr. Otti privately visited Sokoto State,” the statement read.
According to the government, Otti’s arrival at the Sultan Abubakar III International Airport was received by designated commissioners and Special Advisers, who later escorted him to the Government House where he was accorded the traditional courtesies reserved for visiting state executives.
“As you all know, the people of Sokoto are hospitable. We treat our visitors with utmost respect, irrespective of tribe or religion,” the government said.
The statement stressed that Governor Aliyu remains unwavering in his commitment to national unity, respect for authority, and peaceful coexistence.
“The Sokoto State Government reiterates that Governor Ahmed Aliyu holds deep respect for constituted authority, remains committed to the Nigerian project, and continues to be a peace loving and law-abiding citizen,” it added.
Otti’s visit to Kanu had stirred nationwide attention, with IPOB describing the meeting as “historic” and “surprising.”
Recall that the Abia governor was accompanied by Kanu’s younger brother, Emmanuel Kanu; the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Ikechukwu Uwanna (SAN); and his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Ferdinand Ekeoma.